Islamic Party Ramps Up ‘Ban Rihanna’ Campaign In Malaysia

Islamic leaders in Malaysia are pressing ahead with calls to ban Rihanna from performing in the country – just weeks after she promised to tone down her forthcoming live concert.

The controversy over Rihanna’s saucy stage act has re-emerged after a new report from the Pan-Malaysian Islamic party (PAS) claims her performance, planned for Kuala Lumpur on 13 February (09), would be an insult to Asian values.
The Malaysian government has strict rules when it comes to female performers, and artists are required to cover up from their shoulders to their knees.
The PAS has urged authorities who issue concert permits in the primarily Muslim country to reject the organiser’s application.
The organisation, which has launched protests against the U.S. over its support of Israel in the ongoing struggle in the Middle East, has also warned that ticket buyers are contributing to the United States’ economy.
PAS youth wing leader Kamaruzaman Mohamad tells Malaysian newspaper the Star, “Whether Rihanna realises it or not, we know that the taxes she has paid also contributed to the war in Gaza.”
Mohamad claims the event would be “akin to insulting Eastern culture, belittling local artistes, internationally causing losses to the country’s economy and supporting Israel’s war policy, which is supported by America”.
Umbrella hitmaker Rihanna, who is known for donning flesh-baring PVC corsets and knee-high boots for her gigs, agreed to abide by Malaysian laws earlier this month (Jan09).
Pineapple Concerts, the promoters behind the show, maintained Rihanna’s management is “aware of the country’s regulations and the difficulties of doing a show”.
Artists including Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani have previously faced protests in the country for their choice of clothes, and the former No Doubt singer lashed out at the government by claiming she made “a major sacrifice” when she gave in to the dress rules for her show in the country last year (08).

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